"Learn me some" - education reference

[tard01]

Wondering if anyone has a good website or book they'd recommend to a relative amateur looking to get a bit more dangerous with engine work.

I'd like to come up with a concept and understanding of a block/cam/valve/header/pipe/carb/intake system to build for myself.

not sure if i'll stick with my current 350 or go for a 383, but definitely will be looking for a more aggressive cam. Obviously changing the cam changes other components effectiveness for the aplpication and i'd like to gain a better knowledge/understanding of how and why.

anyone got a good source for learning other than just reading article to article? I've gotten to a comfort level with replacing parts and installing parts, but when it comes to planning an engine/drivetrain, i'm newb.

i've spent most of my time just reading parts catalogs/websites to get information, but obviously they don't spend a ton of time justifying the reasoning behind the applications.